They arrived at the Cardium castle while making small talk in the carriage.

Kana finished exchanging farewells with Ethan, the Cardium family’s knights, and their spirit summoners before switching carriages with her companions.

Aila muttered while stretching her stiff body.

“I want to hurry to the inn and rest.”

“Me too.”

They planned to stay at the inn for about a day before returning to the capital through the north’s long-distance magic circle.

The inn they were staying at was the luxury inn Kana had used when she went to the monster hunt last time.

Aila looked around the impressive inn interior and clicked her tongue.

“Wow, isn’t this that expensive inn where mostly nobles stay?”

“Yes. Since everyone worked hard, we should rest comfortably.”

“Thank you for everything, Lady Round.”

“Don’t mention it.”

They moved to a large room spacious enough for three people, washed up, ate, and rested in comfortable attire.

Buried in the soft sofa, Kana unconsciously took out her communication crystal but hesitated.

‘Would it be excessive to contact him when I don’t have any particular business?’

Kiriel was already so capable that he must be busy now too. Denia, who was sprawled on the carpet floor, half raised her body and asked.

“Lady Round, are you going to contact the Tower Master?”

“Ah, well……”

“Miss Kana, just pretend we’re not here and contact him comfortably. He even came to see you off at the long-distance magic circle, so you should let him know you returned safely. He’ll probably be happy?”

Aila winked while grinning brightly. Denia nodded in agreement. Kana smiled at her party members before contacting him.

Kiriel answered her call sharp as a knife, making her worries seem foolish. His urgent voice burst from the communication crystal.

— Miss Kana, did you already finish the request?

“Yes, everyone was skilled and we worked well together, so it ended faster than expected.”

— I see. You’re not hurt anywhere?

“I’m perfectly fine.”

Laughter tinged Kana’s voice as she answered. Even through the communication crystal, Kiriel could immediately tell she was in a good mood. He continued the conversation with relief.

— That’s good. Are you still in the north?

“Yes. At an inn in the Cardium family’s territory.”

— When will you come to the capital then?

“Tomorrow.”

— Alright, then let’s meet tomorrow. It’s better to talk face to face than through the communication crystal. You must be tired from working, so rest well.

“Yes.”

Kana turned off the communication crystal. Fond smiles spread across the faces of Denia and Aila who had been quietly staying still like room decorations.

She belatedly noticed her party members’ expressions and made an embarrassed face.

“Why are all your expressions……”

“Ah, it’s just nice to see.”

“Right. I felt it since you two first visited the guild together, but you really get along well.”

“……Yes.”

Kana hesitated a bit before agreeing. It was an unusual response for her who typically maintained distance from main characters.

Her party members sent her encouraging looks while she smiled awkwardly.

* * *

The next morning. Kana finished preparations early with her companions. They moved straight to the capital through the north’s long-distance magic circle.

Not long after arriving at the capital’s long-distance magic circle, they heard knocking on the carriage door. When Kana reflexively opened it, Kiriel appeared. He waved with a smiling face.

“Miss Kana, it’s me.”

“Were you waiting here the whole time?”

Kana’s eyes widened. Though they had formally agreed through the communication crystal to meet face to face, she hadn’t expected to run into him right as they arrived in the capital.

Kiriel nodded as if it was natural.

“Well, yes. How about spending time together since we’ve met?”

“Ah, I actually had something to discuss too, so this works out. Let me drop off my companions first.”

“Okay.”

The moment Kiriel accepted her opinion, Denia, who had been observing the atmosphere between the two, raised her hand and cut in.

“Lady Round, we can get to the guild building on our own.”

“That’s right. We’ve already relied on you a lot with transportation and lodging. We should handle getting back ourselves. See you next time.”

Aila winked while waving. Before Kana could say anything, the two spirit summoners swiftly left.

Her awkwardly extended hand slowly lowered. Kana looked at Kiriel and smiled sheepishly.

“Ah, everyone left on their own.”

“They’re people with good sense and consideration.”

He added with a sly smile, corners of his mouth lifting. He was openly showing his joy. She subtly changed the subject.

“Rather than staying here…… how about moving somewhere more appropriate?”

“Sure. Have you eaten yet?”

“Well, I just had a piece of bread since the timing was awkward.”

It was a decision made because Kana and her companions wanted to return and rest as quickly as possible. Kiriel shrugged and naturally suggested.

“Same as me then. How about having a meal and tea at my mansion?”

“I don’t mind, but are you sure it’s okay for you, Lord Kiriel?”

“Why?”

He blinked in genuine confusion. Kana carefully opened her mouth.

“Well, your reputation and such……”

“I don’t care. My background and abilities aren’t weak enough to be shaken by such rumors.”

“I know that, but I heard you usually avoid letting others into your personal space.”

“You’re fine, Miss Kana. I’ve already brought you several times, so why be cautious now?”

He was nonchalant despite her concerns. Though those times were due to business or unavoidable situations, she had nothing more to say since the host was fine with it. She smiled wryly.

“……True.”

“Let’s go.”

“Yes.”

Kana first sent back the carriage she came in, then boarded the carriage he had prepared with him. While the carriage was moving, Kiriel carefully observed Kana before relaxing.

“I’m glad you really are unharmed.”

“Of course.”

Kiriel carefully examined her who wore a gentle smile. The faintly lingering spirit energy had become more stable and solid than before.

He slowly spoke while stroking his chin.

“Your energy seems stronger…… Did your spirit’s grade rise while completing the request?”

“Yes. Celia’s grade rose to high-grade.”

“Congratulations. Rising quickly from low-grade to high-grade is really amazing.”

Kiriel clapped with pure admiration. She had simply followed what she said when first contracting with her spirit. Though not directly involved, having watched from low-grade, his heart swelled with pride.

Kana habitually acted humble.

“It’s a bit embarrassing to hear such words from you, Lord Kiriel. You’re too kind.”

“It’s not excessive praise. Though our fields are different, I know how difficult it is to raise a low-grade spirit to high-grade. Being humble is good, but you can be proud of things like this.”

Kiriel’s eyes curved prettily and his lips drew an arc. The main character’s characteristic brightly shining appearance and confident atmosphere emerged from him. His abilities backed it up so it wasn’t excessive but natural.

Kana was momentarily speechless and could only move her lips.

“……”

“You always have ‘it’s fine’ and ‘you’re too kind’ ready on your lips…… I’m worried. Beyond consideration and humility toward others, you seem used to hiding yourself or putting yourself lower.”

His purple eyes that had sparkled with pride turned serious. It was a statement that pierced through her essence of thoroughly conforming herself to her assigned role.

‘But it was an environment where I had no choice.’

The job of a supporting character was burdensome for someone with a strong sense of self. Saying things were fine was because showing signs of difficulty would bring no benefit, and being humble was purely because of the star rating.

In scenes where main characters and work targets needed to be central, the star rating would inevitably be cut if she seemed to exceed her defined role.

Though her presence was thin compared to main characters and she could maintain her star rating with good control, she had experience losing points in her novice days due to lack of skill.

That attitude had become ingrained from trying to stay as safe as possible. Without showing it, she put on a troubled smile.

“Haha, that’s a painful observation.”

“Ah, I didn’t mean to criticize……”

“I know. You were just worried about me. It’s already a habit so it’s difficult, but I’ll try to improve.”

“Okay.”

His expression softened despite her businesslike response.

Around then, they arrived at Kiriel’s private mansion. As soon as they entered, a short-haired maid greeted them respectfully.

“Welcome. The meal is all prepared.”

“Good.”

Kiriel nodded and led Kana. Finding herself suddenly seated facing him, she blinked in slight surprise.

“Did you give instructions for the meal preparation in advance?”

“Of course. Since we had agreed to meet.”

“I see.”

Various thoughts crossed her mind but she deliberately didn’t voice them. It was easier to roughly understand and move on with things like this.

They exchanged small talk while eating.

Kiriel grumbled about having too much work at the Tower, and Kana vividly described the northern events using her supporting character’s conversational skills while keeping quiet about the ‘awakened being’. Kiriel listened with absorption.

“Wow, you worked hard there too.”

“Yes. Thanks to working with skilled people, it was relatively comfortable.”

“Well, with Duke Cardium and his knights, the vanguard must have been reliable. Your party members are capable spirit summoners too. But I think you’re more amazing.”

“Why?”